CHAPTER 7: WHAT SHOULD TEACHERS KNOW ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT ON SCHOOLS?

STUDY GUIDE—CHAPTER 7: WHAT SHOULD TEACHERS KNOW ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT ON SCHOOLS?

Name: Mackenna Papst Date: 10/21/2014

1. Identify the sources of pressure on schools to incorporate more use of technology.

Parents are placing pressure on schools to use technology in the classroom. They notice what they are using in the real-world every day at work, and technology is the key factor. Students place pressure on schools because usually the students are more advanced in technology than the teachers are. Teachers also place pressure on schools because they need the access to the technology as well as training to use it effectively. Businesses place pressure on schools to adequately prepare future employees. There is also a perception that the United States is falling behind the rest of the world in educational attainment which puts pressure on teachers as well. Finally, governmental agencies have moved to support federal, state, and local initiatives to make sure access to technology for K-12 students is available.

2. Describe the three stages of application, which new technologies tend to move through as the level of use matures.

3. List and give examples of how computer technology can serve as a cognitive tool.

4. List and give examples of how computer technology can serve to develop communication skills in English and Language Arts instruction.

5. Pick one of the following subject areas (Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, or Foreign Language) and describe the various uses of technology within instruction in that subject.

6. Describe several different ways computers are used as assistive technology for students with special needs.

        Technology can help students with special needs by presenting information to the students in the style best suited for the individual students unique needs. Many students with disabilities may rely on technology to help them achieve successful inclusion in regular classrooms. Computers are very helpful to allow students to participate in normal classroom activities. User-friendly keyboard enhancements simplifying typing, and assistive technology can be used to control the most  basic computer applications. ERICA is a well known program for special-needs students. ERICA tracks and records eye movements and pupil dilations. This allows the mouse to be controlled based off of eye movement alone.  

7. Describe the ways technology can change how teachers do their job (include descriptions of professional resources, communication, and teacher productivity tools).

8. Identify the pros and cons of each of the four common ways of arranging computers for student use within a school.

There are four different ways computers can be used for students usage. These include; computer labs, single-computer classrooms, classroom cluster, and laptops and handheld computing devices. Computer labs offer a concentrated arrangement in which all the students use computers at the same time. This set up is ideal for technology education. A computer lab set up has it’s drawbacks as well. Group projects are difficult due to the lack of open table space. Another drawback includes the lack of access to the lab and must be planned. A single-computer classroom has one computer for the entire classroom of students. This obviously is a drawback due to the computer-student ratio. One positive of this, is that there are many different visualization programs available that can support students learning. The next type is the classroom cluster. This includes a table or area of the classroom with a couple of computers available for the class to use at any given time. This provides convenient access to the students. The drawback of this system is the cost because every classroom would receive 3-5 computers, instead of a computer lab of 25 for the entire school to share. The fourth and final way is laptops and handheld computing devices. Wireless laptops give great access to computers in the classroom. This is useful because laptops are cheaper as well as smaller. Many schools are converting to the system of one laptop per student. This expands the use of technology by the students as well as encourages the teacher to assume this role as well. The drawback would be that many teachers are less advanced in technology than their students.  

9. Give examples of the factors that contribute to the inequities of computer technology between students of affluent and disadvantaged socioeconomic classes.

10. Describe some recommendations for pre-service and in-service teacher preparation that are desirable for the maximum use of technology in the classroom.

Teacher preparation recommendations include developing an electronic portfolio of their work, create computer-based assessments, and use digital video to capture and reflect on their student teaching. You will have to be able to demonstrate your skills in technology in order to find a job. Staff development recommendations include taking classes to expand educational knowledge. Incentives range from paying for classes to buying hardware and software. Many developmental courses are now offered online for convenience.